Everyone knows the NBA All Star Starters selection process is a popularity contest. Though most of the players have a legitimate case for being selected, there always seem to be players that are selected based on past accomplishments. Thankfully the coaches get to choose the reserves. If the coaches decide to select players based on their production on the court this year, they should select Kendrick Perkins for the second Center slot.

Perk's numbers don't jump out at you. He's averaging around 12 points, 8 boards, and 2 blocks this year. However, he is second in the league in field goal percentage behind Dwight Howard at over 64%, including a stretch during their win streak where he shot over 80%. Also, he is the backbone of one of the best defenses in the league. Even though Garnett is still the leader of the defense, Perk has been the Celtics most consistent defender.Since it is up to the coaches, I think Perk has a good chance to be selected. Coaches around the league have praised his ability to defend some of the best centers in the league. His offensive has improved as well. In the beginning of his career he had no real offensive moves around the basket. Now he has really developed his jump hook into a formidable weapon. Even his free throw shooting has improved. He used to hover at or below 50%, but he now shoots over 60%. His continued progression into a top flight center in the NBA has truly been a joy to watch.

The All Star game should be about who is having the best season that year, not about past accomplishments. I ask everyone to please vote Kendrick Perkins as a 2010 NBA All Star. Let's not give Shaq the "grandfather clause" just so he can do some more ridiculous dance moves in the introductions. Wouldn't you rather see a scowling Perkins putting his death stare on everyone in his path? I've never seen Perk smile once on the court and you better believe it won't happen at the All Star game.

6 Responses so far.

Amen! Great column,Karl. You made the case for Perk and the whole Shaq issue. Another point is that Perk is the best defensive center in the league right now. Howard has the dramatic blockedshots but alot of them are weak side help and Perk is a better man-to-man position defender.That's not opinion, it's fact. The players and the coaches know.

If Perk truly wants to get into the all star game ahead of Shaq, he needs more than just being the better player. He will have flash that smile, act like a buffoon off the court - say something like 'I am Perk-ules (hercules)', call himself the big Perk-olator and become ref friendly.

Honestly, only Howard is more dominant than Perk in the East. He should therefore make the All Star, but I fear he won't..Shaq is now with the Golden Boy, remember? There will be at least 3 Cavs this year in the All Star :(